Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries
A healthy heart is super important for a happy life. But many people don’t realize that their arteries, which carry blood around your body, can get clogged over time. Clogged arteries, called atherosclerosis, happen when fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances gradually stick to the walls of the arteries. This gradual buildup is medically called plaque. This can lead to really serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. Read on to learn some signs that might mean you have clogged arteries. Knowing these signs early could save your life.
Chest Pain Could Mean Your Arteries Are Blocked
One of the most well-known signs of clogged arteries is chest pain, also called angina. It might feel like pressure, tightness, or even burning in your chest. This usually happens because the heart isn’t getting enough blood. Chest pain can happen when you’re active, stressed, or after a big meal. If you have chest pain that keeps coming back, it’s important to tell a doctor.
Shortness of Breath
Do you find yourself out of breath even after doing something small? Shortness of breath can happen if your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen because your arteries are clogged. If your heart has to work harder to pump blood, it can leave you feeling out of breath, even when doing easy activities like walking. If this happens to you, make sure to see a doctor soon.
Feeling Really Tired All the Time
If you feel super tired all the time, it might mean your arteries are clogged. When your arteries get blocked, your heart has to work a lot harder to pump blood. This can leave you feeling completely worn out, even if you rest. If you are feeling this kind of exhaustion that doesn’t go away, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.
Leg Pain or Numbness
Your heart isn’t the only part of your body affected by clogged arteries. If the arteries in your legs are clogged, it’s called peripheral artery disease (PAD). This can make your legs hurt, cramp, or feel numb, especially when you walk or move around. The pain usually goes away if you rest but comes back when you start moving again. If you have pain like this, don’t ignore it—it might be a sign of clogged arteries.
Erectile Dysfunction Could Be a Sign for Men
Men should know that erectile dysfunction (ED) can sometimes be a sign of clogged arteries. If there’s plaque blocking blood flow, it might make it hard to keep an erection. If this keeps happening, it’s a good idea to see a doctor because it could be a sign of a bigger problem with your arteries.
Dizziness or Feeling Lightheaded
If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded, it might be because your arteries are clogged. If blood can’t get to your brain properly, you might feel like the room is spinning or you’re about to fall. This can be really dangerous because you could get hurt if you fall. Make sure to tell a doctor if you’re feeling dizzy a lot.
Jaw Pain
It might sound strange, but jaw pain can also be a sign of clogged arteries. Sometimes, pain can spread from your chest to other parts of your upper body, like your neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms. People often think this is because of dental problems or muscle pain, but if it happens with chest pain or trouble breathing, it might be related to your heart.
Cold Hands or Feet
If your hands or feet are often cold, it might mean your blood isn’t reaching those areas well enough. Clogged arteries can make it hard for blood to flow and keep your body warm in certain spots. If this happens a lot, it’s worth seeing a doctor to check for circulation issues.
The Takeaway
Clogged arteries are a serious health problem, but the good news is that noticing the signs early can really help. Chest pain, fatigue, weakness or numbness, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, dizziness, jaw pain, and cold hands or feet are all possible symptoms of clogged arteries.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor to figure out what’s going on. Simple lifestyle changes, like eating healthy food, getting exercise, and not smoking, can help keep your arteries healthy and prevent them from getting clogged.
FAQs About Clogged Arteries
What Are the Main Causes of Clogged Arteries?
Clogged arteries happen because of a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque. This can be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, or eating unhealthy foods. Over time, plaque makes the arteries hard and narrow, which makes it tough for blood to flow well.
Can Clogged Arteries Be Reversed?
You can’t completely get rid of plaque once it forms, but making lifestyle changes can slow it down or even shrink it. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking medicine that your doctor gives you can all help make your arteries healthier.
How Are Clogged Arteries Diagnosed?
Doctors use different tests to find out if you have clogged arteries. They might use ultrasounds, CT scans, or angiograms, which show pictures of your arteries. Blood tests can also be done to check cholesterol and other signs of heart disease. Your doctor will decide which tests are best based on your symptoms and risks.
